Rilpivirine is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Take Rilpivirine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Rilpivirine is available as a tablet or as a dispersible tablet.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If your child is taking the dispersible tablet(s), follow these steps:
- Place the required dose into a small drinking glass. Add 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of room temperature drinking water to the glass.
- Gently swirl the glass for 1-2 minutes to disperse the tablets.
- Administer all the prepared medicine immediately or add another 5 mL of drinking water, milk, orange juice, or applesauce. Swirl or stir the contents gently with a spoon, then administer immediately.
- Make sure the full dose is taken and no medicine is left in the glass. If there is still medicine left in the glass, add another 5 mL of drinking water, milk, orange juice, or applesauce. Swirl and administer right away.
If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
If you vomit within 4 hours after taking Rilpivirine, take another dose with a meal. If you vomit more than 4 hours after taking Rilpivirine, do not repeat the dose. Take the next dose at your normal scheduled time.
Take this medicine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
If you miss a dose and less than 12 hours have passed, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If more than 12 hours have passed since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Rilpivirine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Rilpivirine with medicines used to prevent or control fits or seizures, medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis), medicines to reduce stomach acid production, anti-inflammatory medicine, and certain herbal medicine. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hepatitis B (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids)
- hepatitis C (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through exposure to infected blood [blood-to-blood contact])
- depression
- severe kidney disease
- moderate to severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Rilpivirine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
Rilpivirine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both this medicine and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, cholesterol and triglyceride levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of depression, infection, and allergic reactions may also be needed.
Rilpivirine may cause tiredness, dizziness, or may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, stomach pain or discomfort, decreased appetite, abnormal dreams, difficulty falling asleep, drowsiness, mood changes, feeling depressed, and skin rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) e.g. rashes, fever, tender or enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the face
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Rilpivirine if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to prevent or control fits or seizures e.g. carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- medicines to treat TB e.g. rifampicin, rifapentine
- medicines to reduce stomach acid production e.g. omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole
- dexamethasone (an anti-inflammatory medicine)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with this medicine.
Rilpivirine should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids) as they could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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